Old Fort Niagara commemorates outbreak of revolution

by jmaloni

Press release

Wed, Apr 10th 2013 12:35 pm

On
April 20-21, visitors to Old Fort Niagara will have the opportunity to explore
the beginnings of the American Revolution with musket firings, storytelling,
living history programs and ceremonies honoring veterans of more modern wars.

Patriots'
Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord fought April 19, 1775,
between British regulars and Massachusetts militia. The day is still a civic
holiday in the states of Massachusetts and Maine, although the observance was
moved to the third Monday of April in 1969.

The
fort's Patriots' Day program will include demonstrations and special exhibits
by re-enactors portraying British soldiers, American militia and loyalist
irregulars.

Although
Fort Niagara is 500 miles from Concord, Mass., the fort claims a direct
connection to the fateful events that occurred there in April 1775. Lt. Colonel
Francis Smith, who led the British column from Boston to Concord, commanded
Fort Niagara from 1772 to 1774.

Patriots
Day Schedule (both days)

10
a.m.: Assembly - musket drill and firings

11
a.m.: Recruiting demonstration. Join the Redcoats or the militia and fight a
mock battle.